6 Filipinos make new 'Asian Scientist 100' list
Philstar.com
June 6, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — Six (6) Filipino scientists have been included in the eighth release of the "Asian Scientist 100" list by Singapore's Asian Scientist Magazine.
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| Honorees: May Anne Mata, Marcela Navasero, Mary Donnabelle Balela, Aurelio delos Reyes, Romulo Davide and Garry Benico |
Since 2016 the magazine annually compiles a list of the most outstanding researchers in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting their achievements across a range of scientific disciplines.
Requirements for inclusion are being a recipient of a national or international prize for their research of a significant scientific discovery or provided leadership in academia.
Past Filipino honorees including National Scientists Ramon Cabanos Barba, Angel C. Alcala, Edgardo D. Gomez, Gavino Cajulao Trono Jr., Emil Q. Javier, and Carmencita David-Padilla, Philippine Space Agency director general Gay Jane Perez and Project NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay.
The following are this year's Filipino honorees:
Marcela M. Navasero (natural pest control and agricultural biosecurity)
Romulo G. Davide (plant pathology and nematology)
Mary Donnabelle L. Balela (oil spill mitigation and marine environmental protection)
Garry Benico (aquatic biosciences)
Aurelio A. de los Reyes (mathematical modeling - reproductive health)
May Anne E. Mata (mathematical biology - infectious disease)
Navasero is a recipient of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, who is recognized for her leadership in natural pest control and agricultural biosecurity.
She led rapid pest assessments, managed outbreak responses and identified natural enemies of invasive species as a frontliner of the National Crop Protection Center’s Quick Response Team.
Davide, dubbed the "Father of Philippine Nematology," was named a National Scientist in 2024 and is known for his pioneering work in plant pathology and nematology, particularly his research on plant-parasitic nematodes.
Balela received the Outstanding Research and Development Award. During the Department of Science and Technology's National Science and Technology Week 2024 for developing modular kapok booms for marine oil spills.
The scientist's work uses biodegradable, locally sourced kapok fibres to create reusable oil sorbents capable of absorbing several times their weight in oil, offering a sustainable, low-waste solution for oil spill mitigation and marine environmental protection.
De los Reyes received the same award for his mathematical modeling of optimal contraception dosing strategies to improve reproductive health and last year was named the National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Awardee for Mathematical Sciences.
Benico was named an Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology last year for his research in aquatic biosciences, particularly the taxonomy and systematics of microalgae and harmful dinoflagellates affecting marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture.
Mata was also given the distinction for her exemplary research in infectious disease modeling and analysis, applied mathematics, mathematical biology and operations research.
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